Space-Confinement and in Situ Reduction of Pt with 1T-MoS2 for Exceptional Hydrogen Evolution Reaction in Simulated Seawater

Efficient catalysts for hydrogen generation from seawater are essential for advancing clean energy technologies. In this study, we present a straightforward method for producing Pt nanoparticles enclosed within metallic 1T-phase MoS₂ nanosheets on graphite paper as a promising catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The resulting 14.3 wt % Pt-MoS₂ nanosheets demonstrate an ultralow onset potential of 65.6 mV vs the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and a minimal Tafel slope of 64 mV/dec with remarkable stability and durability in simulated seawater, offering comparable catalytic performance to the 40 wt % Pt/C commercial catalyst at a lower cost. This exceptional hydrogen production is attributed to the robust reducing ability of 1T-phase MoS₂ and the confinement of Pt nanoparticles within the MoS₂ interlayers and nanosheets. Our findings highlight the significance of this approach in developing practical and sustainable electrocatalysts for seawater splitting. This research represents a crucial step toward a greener and more sustainable future, leveraging innovative catalyst design strategies for clean energy production.